The Family in Mormonism
The Importance of the Family in Mormonism The family is the essential unit of life on Earth and in the eternities. Mormonism teaches important truths regarding the centrality of the family and its eternal destiny. (Read more)
Family Home Evening This is a weekly meeting Mormons hold in their homes, to come closer to God with their families. (Read more)
Eternal Marriage Mormons believe that marriages can last forever – thus the phrase “eternal marriage.” The bride and groom are not married in a Mormon church building, but in one of the Mormon temples. (Read more)
Teaching Families by Example Because families are so central to God’s eternal plan, the Mormon Church does everything possible to help parents teach by their good example. The Church does much to support family unity and morality…. (Read more)
Talks About the Family The Mormon Prophet Joseph F. Smith said: “There can be no genuine happiness separate and apart from the home, and every effort made to sanctify and preserve its influence is uplifting to those who toil and sacrifice for its establishment. . . . ” (Read more)
The Family, a Proclaimation to the World “We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.” (Read more)
Family Resources Our link list for families.
What happens when you get a divorce after being married in the temple? Why are you frowned upon when you marry a non-mormon? Why does the church care so much about your past???
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karenrose Reply:
January 28th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
You’ve reached an unofficial site, so we don’t speak officially for the Church, but as a member, I’m happy to respond to your questions, Jessa. One can go on and remarry if he or she is worthy, after having been divorced, though divorce is not considered the remedy to the majority of marital problems–usually accepted in cases of infidelity and prolonged abuse. Marrying someone of another faith tends to add a layer of difficulty to a relationship in many cases, since the covenants made in the temple are unable to be formed, and having a common ground for raising children and serving in the Church, and for living for the expectations of exaltation would not necessarily be mutually shared. It is not forbidden to do so, just discouraged.
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do mormon’s believe in salvation?
if so, what is the difference between Mormons and “Born-Again” Christians?(some baptists, methodists, ect)
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Fern RL Reply:
March 2nd, 2009 at 11:36 pm
“We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved though obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel” [Articles of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints #3]
We believe that “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” [St. John 3:5]
We believe that being born of water means being baptized: “…the first principles and ordinances of the gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.” [The Articles of Faith #4] (And to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, we believe to be same as “being born of the spirit.”)
In these instances, I think we mostly mean the same things when we talk about “salvation,” but to us salvation really means two things: 1. being saved from death, namely, being resurrected, and 2. being invited into the kingdom of God in the next life. Being saved from death comes to everyone by virtue of Christ’s atonement. Being accepted into the Kingdom of God requires faith, repentance, baptism, obedience, and enduring to the end.
We do not believe it is possible to enter the kingdom by some other way: “…he that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.” [St. John 10:1]
All thirteen of the Articles of Faith may be found here: http://scriptures.lds.org/en/a_of_f/1
I am not sure what the differences are between our beliefs and those of other, especially “Born-Again” Christians.
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Diann Reply:
May 5th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Hi Amanda,
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, but I was raised in the Baptist church. The answer to your question is really a simple one. WE are born again when we throw off the ideals, lust, and materialism of the natural man. When we take upon ourselves the name of Christ, begin to follow him, and change our desires to be like him and serve him, we are spiritually “born again”. “Mormons” of course believe in being born again. The difference is in the terminology and end result. As members of THe CHurch of JEsus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we don’t just stay born again, but we begin to grow, develop and mature spiritually. WE aren’t satisfied to stay spiritual babies, but have a tremendous desire to know Him, to learn of him, to obey His commandments, and to become what He wants us to be. We desire to be lead by the Holy Ghost and to have answers and revelations in our lives for us and our children so we can all progress to the level He knows and wants us to be.
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I strongly disagree with Mormon beliefs.. i think it is all the devil making people believe this non-sense because it is all part of his plans.. how can people believe this stuff???..well the devil is powerful after all.. i thank god everyday i am not one of these ignorant people!
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Janette Reply:
March 16th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
I am so sorry that you feel the way you do about our beliefs. It hurts my heart that we as Christians .. no matter what denomination can’t rejoice in the knowledge that we have. The best way for me to let you know that what LDS people believe is not of the devil is to bear witness of the Savior. He is my Savior and Redeemer. His atonement is very very personal for me. He went to the Garden and sweat blood to pay the price for my sins so I wouldn’t have to if I would just follow Him, he went to the cross so that I wouldn’t be consigned to the grave forever. These gifts were freely and loving given. All He asked was that if I loved Him I would keep His commandments. He knows me and He loves me … a thing that is so amazing and wonderful to me. He stands by me and offers His hand whenever I need Him. I am never alone. One of my greatest dreams is to live a worthy life so that when I meet Him he can take me in His arms and tell me … well done. My love for Him is the strength in my life and my reason to move forward and to serve His children.
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Sarah Reply:
April 21st, 2009 at 9:09 am
“All He asked was that if I loved Him I would keep His commandments.”
If you are truly saved, then you’ll want to keep His commandments, not that he’ll save you after all you can do. We can’t do enough to cover our own sins. That’s why grace is GRACE!
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Janette Reply:
April 21st, 2009 at 4:54 pm
I have asked several born again Christians what being saved means in their understanding. The answer was to accept Christ into their lives. And when I asked what else they were surprised that I asked. To a practicing LDS member accepting the atonement isn’t he end but merely the beginning. We feel that with the atonement comes our responsibility to be the very best we can be and work to move the Lords work forward. Keep is a verb and denotes action. We also believe that we need to endure to the end as the savior has counseled. You can either accept and and do nothing else or move forward in faith. I know through and by whom I am saved but because I love my Savior I want to DO all He has asked … we can never do enough to pay Him back but we can sure give it a good try … and be the better for it.
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Janette Reply:
April 22nd, 2009 at 1:51 pm
Rev. 20: 12-13
12 And I saw the adead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their fworks.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
We are saved by grace but will be judged by our works. What we do with the gift of the atonement is up to us.
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Rameumptom Reply:
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:33 pm
I agree that we are saved by grace. Now, let’s see what that means from an LDS viewpoint, as some Christian views contradict other portions of the Bible (such as James insisting on works, or the Revelation quote above).
We believe that grace is not an “all or nothing” thing. It is received in degrees. Doctrine and Covenants 93 teaches us that the mortal Jesus went from grace to grace, receiving grace for grace, until he received a fulness. He was always perfect, but his understanding of truth as a baby was different than when he was suffering on the cross. To be our Savior, he had to learn obedience, just as we do, and as Paul stated in Hebrews.
Nephi teaches us that we are saved by grace “after all we can do.” What is it we can do? Another prophet in the Book of Mormon told his converted people “all we can do is repent.”
We believe that God’s grace resurrects all people. A totally free gift. We also believe Jesus’ atonement brings all back to God. A totally free gift. The issue of grace, is in how much of it we choose to receive.
Jesus taught that in his “Father’s house there are many mansions.” Early Jewish/Christian belief is there are multiple levels of heaven. Paul knew a man that went to the third heaven (2 Cor 12:1-4), for example. Each heaven is a place of grace, to the level of goodness a person accepts. This is dependent upon our works. How? Because we become what we believe AND do. Our belief begins our entrance into grace and salvation. As our belief grows into a stronger faith, then our works increase, making us more Christ-like, and more able to accept and receive a greater heaven.
So, in Rev 20, we are found in the Book of Life if we believe in Jesus. We are then judged out of the other books, according to our works, to determine what level of grace will be ours.
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Chuck Reply:
June 5th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Janette: You are right, We should live our life repenting from sin. Everything you say here is 100% true!
one thing though: that can be obtained through a personal relationship with God Through Jesus Christ, His son. Mormons are misled by a huge political system into believing things that are not true, such as polygamy. Everything in the mormon lifestyle is perfect. However, this lifestyle is through a prophet who is deceiving you. How can you have a personal relationship with God when you have to do EVERYTHING through the church?
I Felt the burning of the bosom, i was deceived too! I thought it was right, and it is, until I wanted to join the church. I got a hold of all of the strange and inconsistent literature and history. There are major contradictions to this religion within itself with no outside sources. I wanted to be a Mormon. I really did. It’s a good feeling, the burning of the bosom, isnt it? No temptation of wanting to sin, but what does that mean? It means satan has stopped fighting for you to sin. Logically, If satan has stopped…He has done either of two things: Given up, Or won. Satan does not give up. When you put your faith in mormonism and political structures to rule your soul, I’d say satan can do whatever he wants with you, now couldnt he?
Mormonism is right, The church is wrong. Contact me if you would like to. never2fear01@yahoo.com
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Which beliefs do you specifically disagree with?
I believe in God, his son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.
I believe that salvation comes through the atonement of Christ, by believing in him and being baptised in his name and obeying his commandments.
I am a Mormon.
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I thank God every day for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I’m grateful for the knowledge that God still speaks to us and that he loves us.
What “stuff” are you referring to? I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. I am so grateful to Him because it is only through Christ that we can return to live with our Heavenly Father.
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Julie,
Can you eleborate on why you think this is all of the devil’s and that our beliefs are non-sense? What are parts of our belief that make us ignorant? I believe we can help you understand our beliefs if you make us understand your reasoning for your comment. Thank you very much.
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i agree with julie. i am sixteen years old and am writing a research paper on mormonism…and the more that i research about this cult, the more i am astounded that people can acually belive this stuff! I am a born-again Christian, and i pray that God will bring me into the path of a Mormon so that i can show them the truth. It is very clear that Satan is decieving these people…
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Rameumptom Reply:
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Amanda,
Thanks for sharing. However, we are not a cult. We do believe in Jesus Christ as our personal savior. Yes, some of our beliefs may differ from yours, but we use the same King James Bible as much of Christianity does.
If you were to do research on Jesus, would you have interviewed only the Pharisees that crucified him? Or would you interview his followers and believers?
You may find in discussion that our beliefs are ancient Jewish and Christian ones, which many good followers of Jesus believed anciently.
I recommend you try studying some of the books and articles available at fairlds.org.
I was 16 when I became a Mormon. Since then, I have spent over 30 years studying Christianity and Mormonism. I’ve studied not only the scriptures, but histories, the Dead Sea Scrolls and hundreds of other ancient Jewish and Christian writings. And I see Mormonism as no stranger than the early Christian faith was.
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Lakeisha Johnson Reply:
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:46 pm
From what I have learned and researched about Mormonism, the LDS church uses other books other than the Bible. Born Again Christians only use the Holy Bible as their scripture, as their one true source of God’s written word. The LDS church uses and believes the same value of The Pearl of Great Price, Doctrine and Covenants and The Book of Mormons. The LDS church supports all of these books EQUALLY even though they have contradicting material! How can this be if they obviously say the opposite things?
So this is one reasons why Mormons and Christians are not the same. Mormons use other books or scriptures that are not even reliable.
For example, in the Book of Mormon there are discrepancies concerning animals, technology and objects. They mention the compass, which was not invented by the native americans or mormons for that matter. Remains of these alleged compasses have not been found at all in the Americas. Mormon apologists say that God himself created the compass and not the Nephites who used it.
And they also mention horses which were brought to the Americas by the Spaniards many many years later.
They are many more instances in the Book of Mormon where things just don’t match up. Their descriptions about technology and animals just don’t match up.
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karenrose Reply:
April 24th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Lakeisha, thanks for visiting our site and for your comments. May I ask if you have read the Book of Mormon cover to cover, or if your knowledge comes from things you have heard or read about it? I have read it and I testify to you that it is true. It, along with the Bible, is the word of God; they complement each other and bring light and truth to our lives. I love both volumes. Be careful not to limit the Lord in your own limited thinking–He can certainly speak to us in more than one volume, and He has. He had a purpose in having a second record of scripture, attesting to His same gospel. It stands as a record of His dealings with those on this continent, and shows the consistency of His message, and is a second witness of Him. It is not to be feared or shunned, but read and studied and prayed about.
The incidentals you mentioned are easily answered but they are not the real questions behind your comment. You are simply questioning the Book of Mormon with oft-repeated objections that are deterrents to your own investigation of the truth. I encourage you to pray about it first-hand and to read it with an open heart.
God bless you in your life and spiritual journey.
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Diann Reply:
May 5th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Amanda,
you need to make sure that the things you have read and heard are actually what the Church teaches. MAny, many false tales are told as to what the “Mormons” believe in. I agree that some of the things I’ve had people ask me are pretty incredible!
Who is the father of lies? WHo wants to keep us in darkness and devises every trick to keep us from the truth and happiness? If the Church of Jesus Chirst IS TRUE, wouldn’t Satan work really hard to keep you from learning from a real member who really knows what we believe? Is HE trying to keep you in darkness? THere is only one way to find out. ASK GOD ! Learn the true teachings of the church, then ASK GOD again. ONLY then can you make an informed decision.
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I am Pentecostal at the moment but I have been thinking about studying mormonism. I have read a lot of their beliefs and agree with many of them.
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Rameumptom Reply:
April 23rd, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Brad,
Thanks for your open mind in studying the teachings of the LDS Church. We, as a people, are not perfect. However, we have many wonderful truths and blessings restored by God to us in these latter days. I have found many modern prophetic utterances come to pass in our day, which still amaze me. I have seen the power of God work through many miracles, tongues, and blessings of God.
I hope your continued study leads you closer to an understanding of God.
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What ever happened to, “Its not about religion, its about a relationship.” It makes no difference how fancy your temple is that you get married in that others are not even deemed worthy enough to enter. Jesus was born in a feed trough, He was made accessable to all people-especially sinners. We are not saved by our good works, we are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. We are to follow the commandments as best we can and pray for the courage and wisdom to do so. There is only one true Word of God, the Bible. I believe that with all my heart and soul. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. I agree with doing good works, but lets face it-we will NEVER be worthy or good enough. And that is why we are saved by the blood of the Lamb. When we are saved by Christ are hearts are already changing for the better. I would not want to belong to any church or religion where others are deemed more worthy than some. Where some may come to the temple sealing, but not others. Thats not what Jesus was about at all. He was pure love, and WE are ALL His children and are welcome at the table.
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst,” and “This is my body which is given for you.”
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I am 19 years old. I was raised in a strong christian family. I have been currently visiting the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for a year now. I am about to get baptized. In one month.
I have to tell my mother who once said,” I would rather die than see you get baptized”. This broke my heart because I have a very strong testimony of the church and its beliefs. I feel like there is no way to explain the truth in my beliefs to her. This is because in orfer to comprehend this religion with an open mind, you MUST FIRST have faith that Joseph Smith was a TRUE prophet. I am so scared to tell my mother, but I hope someday non mormons can have an open mind to our beliefs and not study them as false.
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Hi.
okay so im not fully understanding the main differance of a mormon. i do not understand why it is so bad for a mormon to date and celebrate holidays, can someone explain why. i would also like to know why you are looked down upon for marrying someone out of the mormon religion.
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My boyfriend is a Mormon and currently, I am not. I have heard so many negative things about the church from family and friends that the fact he was a Mormon scared me. People have told me that I’m going to be brainwashed and “sucked in” to this cult. He has never forced his religion on me and has told me it is my decision to join, which I appreciate. I borrowed a college study guide of his, along with his Bible/Book of Mormon/D&C and have began reading it. I made the decision to read it on my own b/c I wanted to know the truth, not the hype. I am not finished reading, however, I can say that so far, everything I have read makes sense to me for the FIRST time in my life. I consider myself a very logical person and one who is not easily deceived. I do not believe the Book of Mormon is the work of the devil at all. And why is it so hard to believe that God spoke to Joseph Smith? They murdered him, just like they murdered Jesus…and why? What did he ever do except believe in something? I don’t understand.
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karenrose Reply:
June 3rd, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Paula, it’s super to meet you. Wow, reading your post makes me want to cheer you on in your personal and independent search for truth (with God’s help but without the oft-confusing misperceptions that come from those who don’t really know first-hand what our faith is about). The ‘only’ way to find out what’s true is to read it yourself, just as you are, and to apply the promise that is in the Book of Mormon (if you’re in the middle of it, you might just turn to Moroni 10:3-5… Well, I’ll post it here… The promise is clear that as we think through the Book of Mormon, we will know it is true by the power of the Holy Ghost. Our mind and our heart will both receive a witness. You said, “everything makes sense for the FIRST time in my life.” Wow, perfect. The gospel does make sense. You will also feel peace in your heart and a rightness as you go, when something is true, so your mind and heart will be in synch.
Moro. 10: 3-5
3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how amerciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and bponder it in your chearts.
4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would aask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not btrue; and if ye shall ask with a csincere heart, with dreal intent, having efaith in Christ, he will fmanifest the gtruth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may aknow the btruth of all things.
“Why is hard for some to believe that God spoke to Joseph?” you asked rhetorically… You’re right. Doesn’t have to be hard at all. He continues to speak to us and after the full pure gospel was lost to the earth, He didn’t want it restored in fragments—we already had that as good people strove to piece it all back together and created the splinter groups of faith we see now. He wanted it restored perfectly, with His organization, with a prophet and apostles, with the ordinances necessary to follow Him and live eternally with Him. That took a personal appearance. You are right on, Paula.
I am a convert myself from Catholicism (My conversion story is on YouTube.com / moregoodfoundation or on Mormonoulook dot com/About in two 10-min videos)…
So look forward to hearing from you. All of us on the site would be more than willing to help answer any questions and to support you in your spiritual journey.
Much love,
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Robby Laypath Reply:
June 3rd, 2009 at 3:52 pm
This is the beauty of our Faith. Find out for yourself. You don’t need someone to tell you its true. You will know for yourself. I am a convert to the Church. You sound just like my wife. I was a member and she was not. I married her and her family wasn’t very happy about my faith at all. She eventually read the BOM for herself. We will be sealed in the temple in a few months.
Keep it up.
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karenrose Reply:
June 4th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Paula, thinking about this last night, I thought I’d post a note, too, for anyone else seeking truth. I thought of these 3 things: 1) some people are just ‘afraid’ of the truth because they are not ready to commit to it. I sometimes think of unbelief as a defense. I think I may have found it sooner had I been ready. I don’t know. 2) I also think the misperceptions that are out there and the hype is intended to scare people off–the adversary’s way of keeping people at arm’s distance so they don’t actually try it out for themselves or get first-hand information, as they otherwise would be inclined to do, and 3) some people just don’t know where to go to find the real truth and just naively accept what their pastor says or what they Google, or what the media says. We hope to change some of these…
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paula, i think i can understand what you were saying pretty well. i, too, am a convert to the church. having grown up with the osmonds on tv since i was a kid, i had heard about the church, but everyone i had heard things from seemed to be negative towards it. very long story short, many years later, i had occasion to talk with some members and get some answers to questions that i had about the church. i read some of the BOM, and prayed about it. my answer came in the deep sense of joy i felt while asking if the chuch was true, and then i was baptised. so, i guess that thats what i recommend you do too, just to see for yourself. you’re righty about disregarding hype, both positve AND negative, and search out your own truths. may Heavenly Father bless you in this endeavor.
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